CMC Grill replacement

I did a CMC to VS grill change once out removing the FG inner lip is not the best ... too much flex to the FG deck lid.  I glued in the grill with 3M Panel Bond and when dry the grill became the support for the deck lid.

Alternatively, once I had opened up the hole to fit the VS grill, I fiberglassed in a length of 3/4" aluminum angle stock on each side.  The grill was notched on both sides (left/right) to accept studs threaded into the angle stock to tighten everything down.  

I just wasn't into gluing it down like Alan did (but that's a great way to do it, too).

I'm really not trying to pick on Alan, but if you glue the grille in, how do you paint the decklid if ever needed?

@Gordon Nichols posted:

Alternatively, once I had opened up the hole to fit the VS grill, I fiberglassed in a length of 3/4" aluminum angle stock on each side.  The grill was notched on both sides (left/right) to accept studs threaded into the angle stock to tighten everything down.  

I just wasn't into gluing it down like Alan did (but that's a great way to do it, too).

This is exactly the way I did my CMC to VS grill change and it works great.

1/4" masking tape and a steady hand. just like MAACO :~)

Couldn't you build up Gorilla Hair on far side of where you will enlarge opening befor you make the larger opening.  That would span the gap and keep strength?  I know - easier said than done.  Looks like CMC used pink Bondo mix to attach door skins and other panels but that isn't very strong.

I dunno……. I’ve never had any of that CMC pink bondo ever let go - Seems OK to me!

For the grill attachment railings, I am not a fan of Gorilla hair or even fiberglass mat and resin for a job this small by a novice using fiberglass.  Just rough up the back side of the cover with 60-80 grit sandpaper just inside of the opening after you’ve increased the hole size and glue the mounting rails to the underside of the cover with something like Locktite construction adhesive and call it done.  Run a 1/4” wide bead of glue on one side of the angle stock and stick it up in there.  Apply pressure to it while curing with a piece of a pool noodle to hold it in place (cut a kerf lengthwise along the noodle to fit over the side of the angle stock hanging down and push noodle and stock up into place).  

We’re trying to hold a grill in place and working with Gravity.   Let’s not over-engineer this!

@bkelly... I might have a CMC insert available in a couple months if you are still looking for one.

@Jim Anderson - -if @bkelly doesn't need it, I may.  -no hurry as I'm still sifting through looking for mine.  And I don't even have the suspension mounted back on the pan.  this is a slow process for me.

@Jim Anderson posted:

@bkelly... I might have a CMC insert available in a couple months if you are still looking for one.

Hi Jim I sent you a PM